Hands is one of my favorite shop in Japan. I can easily spend few hours there.
What is Hands?
Hands (formerly Tokyu Hands) started as DIY store. In 1978, flagship shop opened in Shibuya that has such a variety of items (please see “what are sold”) that became extremely popular. Espcially large stores holds variety of items that you don’t find in department stores and supermarkets. They also has some new and unique items such as kitchen tools, stationery, cleaning goods, etc. For example, the one I found the other day is a PC tote bag that I take to cafes and library. They also have arts, crafts and hobby supplies.
What are sold?
Beauty and healthcare
Kitchen items: Bento box, kitchen tools, water bottles
Life items: Cleaning, detergents, bath
Stationery: Pen, notebooks, stickers, stamps, diary, reading glass
Office supply & Shop items
Crafts & design
Interior & Bedding: pillow
Electric products, mobile phone related items
Bags, Wallets, Travel goods
Party goods, games, variety goods
Rain goods, parasol, outdoor items
Tools, electric drills
DIY, house reform, paints, materials
Shoe care items, leather care items
Emergency items (for natrual disasters etc); emergency kits, helmets, food, toilets and etc
Where are they?
The largest store is in Shibuya, Tokyo. Major stores are:
【Hokkaido】Sapporo
【Tokyo】Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Tokyo, Machida
【Saitama】Omiya
【Kanagawa】Yokohama
【Shizuoka】 Hamamatsu
【Osaka】Umeda, Shinsaibashi
【Kyoto】 Kyoto
【Hiroshima】Hiroshima
【Fukuoka】Hakata
There are also smaller shops called ”HANDS be” in shopping malls. They often have beauty items, stationery, seasonal items, and gifts.
You can see list of shops here: https://info.hands.net/en/list/
Sales at Hands
New year sale is now on until Jan. 13. It started in beginning of January (starting date depends on the store) Some special items are on sale.
Hands Messe is the largest sale. It is held for 1 week starting 4th Thrusday in August (at least until 2024. I will update when it is announced.)
There are small scale discounts from time to time as well. Often at the end of season for seasonal items (such as cooling items after summer) or when some products discontinue. (due to change of package etc)
Tax Free Shops?
Major stores have Tax Free Counter. You will need your original passport. You can check which stores are Tax Free shops here https://info.hands.net/en/list/
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